__________ RNA and __________ RNA are antisense; that is, they are complementary to another nucleic acid molecule.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the types of RNA that can be complementary to other nucleic acid molecules.
2. Understand that antisense RNA is a strand of RNA that is complementary to a sense strand of RNA.
3. Recognize that mRNA (messenger RNA) is typically the sense strand, which is translated into protein.
4. Determine that the complementary RNA to mRNA is known as antisense RNA, which can bind to mRNA and regulate its function.
5. Consider that other types of RNA, such as siRNA (small interfering RNA) and miRNA (microRNA), can also act as antisense molecules by binding to complementary mRNA sequences to regulate gene expression.

Key Concepts

Antisense RNA

Antisense RNA refers to a strand of RNA that is complementary to a sense strand of RNA. This means that it can bind to the sense RNA, inhibiting its function, which is often involved in regulating gene expression. Antisense RNA plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including the silencing of genes and the modulation of RNA stability.

Complementarity in Nucleic Acids

Complementarity in nucleic acids refers to the specific pairing of nucleotide bases between two strands of DNA or RNA. In RNA, adenine pairs with uracil, and cytosine pairs with guanine. This property is fundamental for processes such as transcription and translation, where the complementary base pairing ensures accurate synthesis of proteins from genetic information.

Types of RNA

There are several types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). Each type has a distinct role in the process of gene expression and protein synthesis. Understanding the differences between these RNA types is essential for grasping how genetic information is translated into functional proteins, as well as the regulatory roles of antisense RNA.